With an insular exhibition community, New Zealand has been off the international radar, until now.
Over the past three decades, New Zealand has been shaking off its regulatory burdens to become one of the most free market economies in the OECD. However, while the bulk of its global attention in recent years was arguably gained from its notoriety as the stunning backdrop to Peter Jackson’s Lord of The Rings trilogy, there could soon be plenty more commercial factors pulling in MICE visitors.
For starters, New Zealand is now one of the most globalised economies, with close ties to Australia, the European Union, the United States, China, South Korea, Japan and Canada. Its service sector is substantial however, accounting for nearly two thirds of GDP.
Utmost among the reasons for the exhibition industry rubbernecking the destination is news that it is to get an impressive new venue, the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC).
The building is scheduled to open its doors in mid-2019. Construction on the 32,500sqm complex has faced delays and the budget reviewed more than once, however that has not stopped interest from international congresses looking to take their events to the new venue.
At the time of press, the NZICC has nine events verbally confirmed. It is no coincidence that the centre is being built as New Zealand making a push to attract international events. As part of the planning for the NZICC, several feasibility studies were carried out which formed both the physical and strategic blueprint for the new centre.
It was noted that, globally, there is a reduction in the average convention size and duration and the need for flexible space. Further, New Zealand’s increase in airline representations, flight paths and connectivity also support growth from the international market.
The NZICC worked with the New Zealand Government, architects Warren and Mahoney, Woods Bagot and Moller Tourism New Zealand, and Auckland Convention Bureau to look at international market opportunities.
An extensive customer experience programme was undertaken to ensure that the data was backed up by long term sustainability of the centre, which it is hoped will ensure the design and layout of the venue will remain relevant.
The NZICC will feature a divisible theatre, multiple layout options in the hall spaces and 33 meeting and breakout spaces.
While the NZICC will not compete in size with some larger centres around the world, it will be five times larger than the current convention facilities in New Zealand.
Auckland has several sectors of competitive advantage, and local hosts that are influential in global associations, and NZICC will be able to support the Australasian chapters’ bid to bring events to New Zealand in the international rotations. Construction has been ongoing for nearly two years, with more than 900 workers working around the clock to get the venue built in time.
The NZICC’s general manager operations, Callum Mallett, says it’s now possible to see the outline of the venue.
“For the first time, the shape and scale of the exhibition hall can be appreciated and the skeleton of the NZICC’s structure can be seen, which is very exciting,” says Mallet.
“We’ve been keeping a video record of every day’s progress since we started demolishing the old buildings on the site and throughout the excavation. “Put together into a minute and a half of time-lapse footage, this provides a unique insight into the progress we’ve made on the project to date.”
At present, New Zealand’s exhibitions are of little interest to international visitors. Indeed, those with international relevance tend to be based in the food processing and packaging equipment, food, agriculture and general industrial equipment sectors.
However, there are signs that New Zealand is increasing its exhibition presence globally. At this year’s InnoTrans exhibition, organised by Messe Berlin, and taking place on September 18-21, New Zealand companies will be represented for the first time.
With the countdown well underway for New Zealand’s MICE sector, watch this space for plenty of exhibition action anytime soon.
Images: CGIs of the upcoming NZICC | Read the feature online, here and check out the interactive floor plans, here.
